Study: Paternal Presence During Pregnancy and Child Rearing

The father's supporting role, established for many years due to certain cultural expectations, has changed significantly. Nowadays, many fathers are beginning to recognize their role as more than essential—not just a provider or a mere companion during pregnancy and the upbringing of the child.

A study conducted by Stanford University, based on legislation passed in Sweden in 2012 granting 30 days of paternity leave, found several positive outcomes: fewer anxiety diagnoses, a reduction in antibiotic prescriptions for mothers, and fewer doctor visits or hospitalizations.

This Father's Month, Trocando Fraldas decided to conduct a survey to understand both the importance of paternal presence and involvement in family life, as well as to assess the consequences that a lack of support or presence by the father can have.

Questions

The following questions were addressed:

1. Which state do you live in?
2. Are you a mother or are you pregnant?
3. Did the father of your child express the desire to become a parent before the pregnancy?
4. What type of support did/does the father provide predominantly during your pregnancy?
5. How important do you consider the father's presence during pregnancy?
6. When it comes to raising your child, how do you evaluate the father's participation?
7. Do you feel supported by the father of your child?
8. Are you in a relationship with the father?
9. Do you receive child support for your son or daughter?
10. Do you think the amount is fair?
11. Does the amount cover your child's expenses?

Results

To compare results between regions and states, affirmative answers were recorded as numbers: 1 for "Yes" and 0 for "No." Some questions, aiming for more qualitative results, offered more response options.

The results can be observed in the following charts:

• 8 out of 10 respondents indicated they are still in a relationship with the child's father

• The majority pointed out that the father is or will be very involved in raising the child

• A study by Stanford University in the USA found significant health improvements among Swedish women who received more support from their child's father

• In the survey, only 10% of respondents pointed out that the father does not or would not participate at all in raising their children

• In Sweden, women started going to the doctor less and used fewer antibiotics after childbirth because of increased paternal involvement

• The Stanford study also revealed that women feel less anxious when they receive paternal support after childbirth.

• The majority of respondents said they do not consider the amount of the child support fair or sufficient.

• The child support rate in Brazil can vary between 15% and 30%, depending on the salary from which it is deducted

• The child is entitled to receive support until 18 years of age, but this period can be extended if the child can show they are still studying

Research Method

The study was national in scope and was conducted with nearly 2,500 respondents between August 6 and 13, 2019. Data collection was performed via an online questionnaire.